About the opportunity
The U.S. Border Patrol, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is seeking a Border Patrol Agent (BORSTAR Operator) for the Del Rio Sector, Special Operations Detachment. This position is a primary law enforcement role responsible for preventing illegal entry, enforcing immigration laws, and apprehending smugglers. BORSTAR Operators resolve emergency situations and high-risk incidents, including tactical operations, search and rescue, and civil disturbances. The role requires advanced skills in weaponry, self-defense, aquatics, rappelling, and technical rescue. Agents must be prepared for rotating shifts, overtime, and regular travel. This is a rigorous position subject to mandatory retirement under special law enforcement officer provisions.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range: $91,985 to $119,583 per year (GS-12)
- Overtime compensation up to 25% of base pay
- Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance
- Retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401(k) equivalent)
- Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program
- Paid federal holidays and personal leave days
- Flexible work schedules and tuition reimbursement
- Uniform allowance and fitness center access
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be proficient in Spanish (speak and read)
- Must have successfully completed the BORSTAR Selection and Training (STC) Course
- Must meet specialized experience requirements equivalent to GS-11 level
- Must be under age 40 (unless eligible for veterans preference or specific law enforcement service exemptions)
- Must possess a valid, non-restricted driver's license
- Must meet medical and physical fitness standards
- Must pass a background investigation and polygraph examination
- Must meet residency requirements (physically resided in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years)
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
Required documents
- Resume (maximum two pages, in English, including specific details on duties, hours, and dates)
- Completed online assessment questionnaire
- SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) for current or former federal employees
- Proof of Veterans Preference (DD-214 Member 4 Copy), if applicable
- Documentation for CTAP eligibility, if applicable
- Initial and termination SF-50s for former political appointees
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 2026-09-24
How to apply
- Create or log in to a USAJOBS account
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire
- Upload the required resume and supporting documentation
- Submit the application through the USAJOBS portal before the deadline
Additional information
- This position requires a Secret or higher security clearance.
- Tattoos on the head and face are prohibited; other visible tattoos must not be obscene or derogatory.
- The position is subject to the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act.
- Applicants may be required to work rotating shifts and overtime.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Candidates possessing specialized law enforcement experience equivalent to the GS-11 level who seek high-risk tactical operations and search and rescue work.
- Applicants who are fluent in Spanish, both speaking and reading, as required for the role.
- Individuals who have successfully completed the BORSTAR Selection and Training (STC) Course.
- U.S. citizens under age 40 who meet medical, physical fitness, and residency requirements.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires physical residency in Del Rio, Texas, and involves regular travel, rotating shifts, and mandatory overtime.
- Applicants must pass a rigorous background investigation, polygraph examination, and strict medical and physical fitness evaluations.
- Visible tattoos on the head and face are prohibited, and other visible tattoos must not be obscene or derogatory.
- The role is subject to mandatory retirement under special law enforcement officer provisions and a maximum age limit.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fully-funded federal position fits a career-oriented professional looking to build a long-term trajectory in specialized law enforcement, emergency response, and border security within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection framework.
Our take
Experienced law enforcement candidates with specialized tactical training and Spanish fluency should seriously apply, whereas applicants who do not meet strict age, physical, or background criteria will find this role unsuitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
